Guys and Dolls’ all about possibilities at H-L

November 21, 2013

Ignoring expectations and letting down one's guard can be dangerous, but it also can lead to pleasant surprises and new opportunities. Such is the case with the characters in "Guys and Dolls."

Hopewell-Loudon students are to present the popular musical at 8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday. This is the first major production in the new school on CR 7 in Bascom.

Set in the 1930s in New York, the story unfolds with gangsters in a variety of plaid coats facing off with the straight-laced staff at Save A Soul Mission. The former are looking for a place to conduct a high-stakes craps game, while the latter are trying to steer the risk-takers away from wealth and worldly possessions to a more Godly life.

Article Photos

PHOTO BY ROB LEDWEDGEBen Bodart, as Sky Masterson, rolls the dice for a second chance with Sarah as fellow gamblers react with anticipation.

As the action develops, members of both groups learn a middle ground is possible.

Leading the gamblers is Nathan Detroit, portrayed by Colton Feathers. Playing his fellow gamblers are Jarid Gelinas, Anson Tran, Ryan Depinet, Waleed Salem and Alex Beleny.

Marissa Smith has the role of Miss Adelaide, who would prefer to be Mrs. Nathan Detroit. Adelaide has been with Nathan for years without a wedding ring. Despite her devotion, the game always pulls him away from her.

The Hot Box Club is where Adelaide works, along with the other dancers played by Taylor Burns, Lara Pothast, Abby Park, Alaina Goshe and Lileigh Bower. Nathan brings his buddies to the club along with "guests" who are there for the traveling craps game.

Ben Bodart, as Sky Masterson, has come to town looking for a big win when he spots Leah Reinhart as Sarah Brown, leader of the mission. Sky has learned to follow his instincts, and something draws him to Sarah.

Never mind she is a "mission doll" and he is a "guy" known for making and winning quirky bets. His efforts to flirt with her are thwarted until he demonstrates knowledge of some Scripture.

The unsuspecting Sarah becomes giddy after downing a few too many "Cuban milkshakes" and causes an uproar in the club. Sky carries her off for a hasty exit back to the city.

Upon their return, gamblers come tumbling out of the mission, pursued by Grant Gosche as Lt. Brannigan. A craps game has been going on in Sarah's absence. Her supervisor threatens to close the mission, and Sarah breaks it off with Sky.